Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, with his wife Ho Ching, sharing a light moment with train lead service attendant John Laliberte, 57, on being a fellow left-hander after Laliberte took his meal order. They were travelling on the regular Acela Express from Washington, DC to New York City on Wednesday. (ST PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN)

Robin Chan

The Straits Times

Publication Date : 05-04-2013

Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong takes the Acela Express from Washington to New York

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong arrived in New York City by train on Wednesday, a day after he had mentioned to American business leaders about the planned high-speed rail link between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Lee, his wife Ho Ching and the Singapore delegation shared a first-class cabin with other commuters on the regular Acela Express, from Union Station in Washington, DC to Penn Station in New York City.

The distance that separates the two cities is about the same as that between Singapore and KL. But the ride on the Acela Express is about two hours and 45 minutes. In comparison, the future journey on the high-speed train between Singapore and KL would take just 90 minutes.

"It will qualitatively change the relationship between the two cities and two peoples and make this one, extended, integrated, cooperating, economic entity.

"And that is to the benefit of our two countries," he had said.

The PM also shared a light moment with the train's staff on board.

As lead service attendant John Laliberte, 57, took his order for food and drink, Lee remarked: "I see you are a fellow left-hander!"